2018 Foundation Apprenticeship Programme at UK Power Networks

About UK Power Networks

This is an exciting opportunity to become an apprentice in UK Power Networks with opportunities to progress within a highly respected company. UK Power Networks has the largest electricity distribution network covering London, the East of England and the South East with more than eight million customers to whom we distribute electricity.

2018 Foundation Apprenticeship Programme

The UK Power Networks Apprenticeship Programme, endorsed by E&U Skills and Accredited by the IET, provides the opportunity for individuals to become fully trained, qualified and competent "craft" persons in an electrical distribution industry in one of the following trade's cable jointing, overhead lines or electrical plant fitting.

Salary: £14,996

Principal Accountabilities:

Apprentices are expected to learn all aspects of their chosen craft and apply the knowledge, skills and techniques gained through the Apprenticeship Programme competently, safely and in accordance with Network standards.

Apprentices will follow a Trailblazer Apprenticeship Framework which will include a Certificate in Electrical Power Engineering and a competency based qualification in Electrical Power Engineering whilst on the Programme.

Aprentices are expected to undertake duties in accordance with their chosen craft:

Jointers - Jointing duties, such as the maintenance & restoration of electrical supplies on the UK Power Networks distribution system, by means of carrying out jointing repairs on the HV and LV cable networks under the supervision of the area team as appropriate.

Overhead Linespersons - Overhead linesperson duties, such as the maintenance & restoration of electrical supplies on the UK Power Networks distribution system and carrying out reinforcements and new connections under the supervision of the area team as appropriate.

Fitters - Maintenance fitter duties, such as electrical fitting activities on plant (construction, maintenance and fault rectification as required) under the supervision of the area team as appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

Suitable applicants will be new to the power distribution industry and have recently achieved or be on course to achieve GCSE's Grades A to D or 3 to 9 in English, Maths and Science/Technology or equivalent or higher level secondary education qualifications such as A levels or BTEC. Applicants will need to demonstrate an interest in electronics, electricity or engineering and enthusiasm to work outdoors.

No previous work experience required but candidates will need to show the ability to work in a team.

Applicants must possess a high degree of manual dexterity.

Nature and Scope:

The Apprentice programme is 3 years in duration (indicative timescale) working towards achievement of a competency based qualification and a technical certificate in Electrical Power Engineering whilst gaining skills, knowledge, understanding and experience in their chosen craft. The aim is to develop into a qualified, competent crafts persons in one trade from Jointing, Overhead Lines and Fitting.

Trainees will spend up to 11 months in residential training centres acquiring the basic knowledge, skills and competence to enable them to work productively on the Network before commencing work in the areas. The residential element of the training programme is compulsory and apprentices will be required to reside in UK Power Networks provided accommodation during the working week. During the time at the training centres apprentices will partake in training at external providers sites including an Outward Bound week in the Lake District. Apprentices will have accommodation provided by UK Power Networks for set periods as required.

During subsequent stages of the Apprentice programme you will gain more skills, knowledge and experience through training courses and through 'real time' working on the Network coupled with the acquisition of recognised qualifications. By the conclusion of the programme, you will have gained the full knowledge, skills and competence to work productively on the Network and be deemed a fully qualified craft person. Successful candidates will also be required to obtain a full driving licence as soon as eligible which is to be personally funded.

Candidates are asked to be aware that applicants may be required to work shifts over a 24 hour shift pattern covering 7 days a week once qualified.

Training may take place at training centres across the United Kingdom.

Competencies:

Apprentices will demonstrate full and sustained competence in all aspects of their chosen craft.

Apprentices will maintain throughout their programme, and beyond, a demonstrated commitment and adherence to health and safety standards, customer service and organisational values.

Apprentices will be expected to demonstrate a high degree of energy, be flexible, adaptable and responsive to change.

Apprentices will work collaboratively, effectively and efficiently with other UK Power Networks employees, suppliers, training providers and contractors.

Apprentices will demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills to establish strong and productive relationships with colleagues, suppliers, training providers, contractors and the general public.

Apprentices will achieve all the qualifications and associated programme milestones.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

Managers and supervisors carry both legal and company responsibilities for ensuring the health and safety of their employees, those under their control and those who might be affected by the work undertaken, i.e. public, visitors and employees of other organisations. This includes briefing individuals working for them and ensuring there is the necessary understanding, competence and application of requirements to work safely and without harming the environment.

Employees are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the health and safety risks involved in their work activities and their responsibility to apply the controls needed to manage those risks to acceptable levels. Similarly where work activities can have an adverse impact upon the environment, and particularly where there are legal requirements, employees are responsible for understanding those impacts and the controls they must ensure are applied.

If in doubt ask!

Applicants are asked to be aware that data held by UK Power Networks will be stored, processed and monitored by authorised personnel. The information you supply will be used by the Skills Funding Agency, an executive agency of the Department for Education (DfE), to issue you with a Unique Learner Number (ULN), and to create your Personal Learning Record. For more information about how your information is processed and shared refer to the Extended Privacy Notice available on Gov.UK. It will not be disclosed to any other third party unlawfully in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button below.